Overall Route Rating
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4 out of 5 Rider Rating 4
12 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on May 31, 2005

Rider Reviews

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Guest
April 20, 2010
Take 21 south make a right going east on 8 in…
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Moe-Moe
17 McR Points
March 12, 2012
This is one of my favorite local routes but if…
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Written Directions

The route starts on hwy 21 in the south west part of St Louis (near towns like Arnold or Mehlville). I suggest you get on I-270 and take exit #2 (Tesson Ferry Road/Highway 21) and take Highway 21 south. The route starts as you pass through Paulina Hills, MO and continues south as you pass through Hillsboro, through Washington State Park, through Potosi, Belleview, and ends at Elephant Rock State Park. You can continue if you like what you've seen so far, down to Johnsons' Shut-ins state park.

Scenery

Leaving south from St. Louis you quickly hit 2 lane winding road with a relaxed feel. Many turn-offs allow exploring the start of the Missouri ozarks. Elephant Rock State Park and a few miles further Johnsons' Shut-ins State Park are great place to relax and hike or take a dip in the river.

Drive Enjoyment

Just outside St. Louis the road has a bit of traffic. But after that it thins out and the road has a nice number of turns and elevation changes. Got to watch a few of the turns as you never know what's stopped ahead.

Tourism Opportunities

Small town diners and ice cream shops along the way. And as always a bar or two.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather . - Missouri Division of Tourism (314-751-4133).
 

Share Your Comments ( 12 )
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DJDehne
June 24, 2021
29 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Nice ride down the Arcadia Valley. Washington State Park is a beautiful place, well worth the detour to ride through it, and Elephant Rocks is impressive.
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mchance
January 1, 2019
808 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Hwy 21 actually starts at the intersection of Gravois Rd (Hwy 30) and Tesson Ferry Rd. in Affton, MO, near Grant's Farm. Long known as "Blood Alley" due to the hilly (frequently blind) turns and heavy traffic, it's mostly been tamed by replacing it with a four lane limited access highway from Lindbergh Blvd (US 61/67) in S. Saint Louis County to Hillsboro in Jefferson County (about 26 miles). However, the old Hwy 21 still exists. Heading southbound, take the "Old Route 21/Meramec Hts" exit just past Hwy 141. The "official" Hwy 21 rejoins in Hillsboro at Route B. And if you're feeling adventurous, Hwy 21 continues another 115 miles to the Arkansas state line, where it turns into Arkansas Hwy 115.
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JFeezy
February 22, 2017
15 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
21 is a fantastic route. Not every town will have premium so if that's your thing you may want to bring octane booster or a small 2.5 gallon can, depending on your range and how deep into the Ozarks you plan on going.
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